Incredible Journey with Second Wind

On the first night of the Second Wind sessions at the Palace of Fine Arts
in San Francisco, CA I expected a usual great "Todd" experience...

Entering the lobby I came upon a display of albums that Todd had his hand
in crafting, as well as many artifacts and memorabilia. i remember my
thought was - "I feel validated as a fan; I'm not the only one whose
soul has been touched by Todd's music...It seems that the community of
music lovers has finally given Todd the respect he deserves."

I entered the theater area where the main stage's maginificent stature was
cradling instruments, sound baffles and microphne stands. My reserved
seat ticket was in the 30th or so row and I was happy with it. I saw some
friends who I had met that day in the second row. Since noone was sitting
in the seats in front of them, I ambled down and started to chat. As the
crowd filtered in, more and more seats where taken up in the first serveral
rows. One by one , the first row seats where filled until the whole row
was occupied, expect for my seat. As the house lights dimmed, I couldn't
believe my good fortune - front row center for Todd! After Todd gave us
the ground rules for the live recording session, they launced into the
first song. At it's end, I noticed Todd's tour manager (Mary Lou?) asking
people in the first row a question. As she made her way towards me from
the right, I could see them shake their heads no and she moved to the next
one. As she came to me, she skipped asking me the question and asked it to
the guy on my left (who I did not know). She asked, "Are you the contest
winner?". He said yes. She followed with, "Do you have a guest?" He
motioned to me! she said, "Come with me guys"
Mary Lou brought us backstage and then onto the stage left area next to
the mixer equipment. She handed us each a pair of headphones and the
sound man checked our levels.
Here I was on stage about 10 feet from Prarie Prince, the drummer and
maybe 20 feet from Todd, listening to a headphone mix of the recording
of Second Wind live! Well I tell you, it was one of the most exciting
experiences of my life.
After the show I (now fully assuming the moniker "contest winner")
went into the band room and chatted with Roger Powell, Ross Valerie
and Todd! I said to Todd, "Hi , I'm the contest winner", he said,
"Well congratulations, how did it sound?" I said, "The mix was good,
but being a bass player myself, I like to hear more drums and bass
and less vocals..."(foot in mouth). Todd sarcastically responded,
"Well, next time we'll just have to get the contest winners their
own personal mix!
Embarassed, but not down, I ended up getting a picture with Todd, and
met up with a few lovely members of his "inner circle"